Mural Artist, Creative Force, La Ventana, Mexico

Connecting to Ms. Miriam Portilla Espino was truly serendipitous, during a photoshoot with another WOW Woman. I crouched by her table to take photos and apologized for disturbing her, and the rest was history. Miriam, an artist from Mexico City, was in Baja on an assignment, hired to paint art murals in a new tubular hotel in town. The hotel’s concept is hosting tourists in the individual cement cylinder rooms (if you’re not sure what I mean, check out a similar concept online). Each room is designed in a tubular shape, with tubes stacked together to resemble a pyramid. With the one end of the tube “sealed” with a window, it ensures that visitors have a panoramic view of the surroundings from the comfort of their queen-size bed. Miriam’s role was to paint each room’s single wall with her trademark dreamy art. I had to see for myself.

Miriam is a thoughtful, beautiful soul, inside and out. Her quiet confidence and strength explode in her work. I was thankful to have time to pick her brain about life as a creative person in Mexico. Since our time together was so brief, I am learning about Miriam from these pages, along with you; I am touched by what I’m discovering.

1. Name.

Miriam Alejandra Portilla Espino.

2. Where is your hometown?

I'm originally from Querétaro, México, a city in the middle of the country, three hours from Mexico City.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation?

I studied law, however I did not graduate. I am currently working and developing my skills as a mural artist. I am also growing my own road-marking business that I’ve been working on for seven years alongside my two brothers. It is called CESUR.

What does your average day look like?

A normal day starts with making the bed, then shower, a tea and a coffee for me and my partner and then have a breakfast.

I start with a checklist to figure out what the day looks like. Normally I immediately commence my work with the CESUR business, where I talk with the suppliers, do bank transfers, and pay requisitions. I always try to finish CESUR work as soon as I can, so then I have time to work on digital marketing project that my boyfriend and I are creating.

After that I start to draw on my Wacom tablet and create some digital drawings. I seek a lot of inspiration from other artists on Instagram and Pinterest; I can spend a lot of time on this.

Meanwhile I sit on and by the desk and do the house stuff, the laundry, cook some pasta or something else for dinner, or do any house chores.

After everything is ok at home, I look for walls to paint on or commence an art project. If there is more time, and there is always time to start art, sometimes I visit the clients, or have client calls.

If I’m on a mural paint job, I spend a lot of time out of home, at a place where the wall is located. However if I’m involved with the digital work assignment, I am able to spend more time at home.

Finally as the night arrives, Gerardo and I see a movie or series, go for a run, read, and chill before going to sleep.

4. What did you study in school?

Law, but I didn’t graduate. I am a self-taught artist.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)?

One thing that I'm completely sure about is that without family support nothing would be meaningful for me, and I wouldn't get this far in life or my career. I had the opportunity to explore many places and jobs to find the current path in life, for me and my art. When I first met my partner, he was one of the inspirations for me to return to art. Now I am also thankful that I can mix my art with my family’s work.

Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the breakthrough moment for you (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

I think it is more than one thing for me, but actually is a state of mind that set me on my current path. I work a lot on myself and one day I simply realized that everything that is material on the outside is really a reflection of who we are on the inside, on a personal and society level. I feel very proud of my art and being able to grow in ways I never imaged before.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Yes! Many many times. When there's no external help available, you must look inward and find there the strength and the power to keep going. Life will kick you several times and many of these are not your fault. Ultimately however, there is no one but you to take responsibility on how to respond, overcome and move on.

8. Advice for other women?

Always be loyal to your values, dreams and the perception of the world you have. Don't let others change you at the core, no matter how hard life is. Realness and kindness are the true superpowers these days.

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

I think nowadays women are being more recognized and valued in the society. I do think there's so much more we can support in the every day. I honestly feel happy with the idea that my daughter(s), if I ever have kids, or the future women can live in a more equal society. We do have to keep fighting for ourselves, always focusing on the positives.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

My happiest place is always doing something I love. I also feel happiest when I overcome a deep fear. That is where my happy place is. For me the joy is not exactly a place, but a feeling; when I express myself when I'm painting, feeling of love from my partner, when I'm surrounded with positive people, my family, nephews. Anytime a conquest of my dreams and fears happens, this is where I feel the tallest.

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

Painting of course, playing the piano, dancing, writing, observing, meditating, building myself up (skills and mentally).

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I’ll always continue painting, writing and hope I’ll be able to share my work with more people. I also hope to build a home, strengthen my values and connections.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

The illusion of control. That I don't have enough time to do all the things I want to accomplish. That I will take things and people around me for granted, and not appreciate my blessings.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

Honestly, nothing. If I did, I wouldn't be me here and now otherwise.

15. What inspires you?

Real feelings, respect, family, love, nature, sea, books, humans, animals.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life? Has the global pandemic changed your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

If pandemic taught me anything is to be more grateful for everything in my life. I think beyond ups and downs, gratefulness is the key to survive.

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

Well there are things that I feel proud of, because they took me a long time to develop and I keep loyal to them now. I am compassionate, empathetic, kind, patient, brave and respectful. These are my superpowers.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

It’s OK to say NO. You are enough and unique. Be patient, good things are coming; everything passes, so be brave.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I'm currently reading “La Sombra del Viento (The Shadow of the Wind)” a novel by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.

My favourite reads, I most often recommend are “Justine” by Marquis de Sade, “L´étranger (The Stranger)” by Albert Camus and “La Peste (The Plague)” by Camus as well, “Diablo Guardián” by Xavier Velazco. Those are some of my dearest.

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

Of number one WOW Woman in my life is my mother. I admire her because she raised four good human beings. I admire her capacity to love and be patient.

As an artist and a Mexican I must say Frida Kahlo. I admire her for her capacity to put feelings into images.

I think my sister is a WOW Woman, for be a great mom, for doing it at a very young age.

I also admire my female friends and women in general who are dear and close to me. I admire things in each one.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

@miriamportilla12 in Instagram. I’m currently working on my personal website.

QUICK BONUS ROUND QS::

1. What and who is worth suffering for?

I think much of the suffering is a consequence of acts and decisions people make. Each of us therefore decides what and till when.

2. What would you stand for if you knew that nobody would judge you?

I would stand for legalization of abortion. Although I already stand for it, so I am already judged for it.

3. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you?

I would try and practice saying NO more often. Still working with that “no” word.

4. Whom do you admire most and why?

The person I know the most, and therefore admire most, is myself.

5. What do you not want anyone else to know about you?

I am more sensitive than what I show to others. I am not always OK even when I say I am.

7. Who from your past are you still trying to earn acceptance from?

My father.

8. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days?

Paint, play piano, travel and write.

9. What bothers you most about other people? What do you love most about other people?

I don't feel good around intolerance. I love open-mindedness.